Numbers 35:9

Numbers 35:9 says, And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,  Verse ten adds, Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye be come over Jordan into the land of Canaan;  God was still giving Moses directions for the people of Israel once they were in the Promised Land.  This required Moses and the people of Israel to be obedient.  We must likewise be obedient once we become a follower of Christ, and we must be obedient for as long as we live.  Verse eleven continues, Then ye shall appoint you cities to be cities of refuge for you; that the slayer may flee thither, which killeth any person at unawares.  These were the cities of refuge of the Levites already referred to according to Matthew Henry.  This was a place where someone who had accidentally killed someone could go for refuge.  Verse twelve states, And they shall be unto you cities for refuge from the avenger; that the manslayer die not, until he stand before the congregation in judgment.  This was also the place of safety from someone wanting to avenge the death of another before the one who had killed that person could have a fair trial.  We should never set out to avenge the death of anyone without the accused person having a fair trial.  The ultimate judgment will always be God's to make.  Verse thirteen adds, And of these cities which ye shall give six cities shall ye have for refuge.  There were to be a total of six cities of refuge.  Verse fourteen continues, Ye shall give three cities on this side Jordan, and three cities shall ye give in the land of Canaan, which shall be cities of refuge.  These six cities were to be split into three on each side of the Jordan.  All were to have equal access to them, just as we all have equal access to the sanctuary of Jesus Christ, no matter where we are.  Verse fifteen concludes, These six cities shall be a refuge, both for the children of Israel, and for the stranger, and for the sojourner among them: that every one that killeth any person unawares may flee thither.  These cities of refuge were for both the Israelites and for other people who were in the land who had need of them. We all have access to forgiveness for our sins through faith in Jesus Christ, and we all have need of it.